THE NEW WANDERINGS
No. 18
01 September 2012
Ralph J. Coppola
http://citizenscientistsleague.com/
Feature:
This was, originally, going to be August’s column, but I could just not find the time
to post it up on the site.
Hopefully, things will get back, somewhat, to normal in the fall.
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Wanderings:
HeatSync Labs
HeatSync Labs is a nonprofit hackerspace in Arizona. Our objective is to
empower engineers, artists, and inventors to push the limits of technology
beyond its intended use.
http://wanderings.ca/Index.htm
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SEM Buildblog
This site documents the inception and build of the Heatsync Labs
Scanning Electron Microscope. Also see their YouTube presentation.
Millefiori: Ferrofluid Mixed with Water Colors
These thumbnail sized images were created by mixing ferrofluid with
water color and putting it into a magnetic field.
Sci-Spot
Check out Sci-Spot for a source for amateur science information and
supplies.
DIY Ferrofluid
Sci-Spot shows us how to make ferrofluid.
Ferrofluids from POPSCI
Popular Science shows several receipts for making ferrofluids.
The Puget Sound Knappers
This site’s purpose is to serve as a platform to promote and practice
knapping basics and skills.
An Experimental Infrasound Detector
Jim Hale constructs a simple Infrasound Detector
The Inexpensive Infrasound Monitor Project
Here is detailed information on a low-cost design for a microbarograph
that can detect and monitor infrasound (sound less than 20 Hz)
Can A Static Spark Set Off Black Powder?
Yes --- But it ain’t easy!
Drones: From War Weapon To Homemade Toy
An interesting article by Larry Abramson
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http://wanderings.ca/Index.htm
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From Instructables, YouTube & Make:
Instructables: Magnetic Silly Putty
Try some DIY magnetic silly-putty to complement your ferrofluid
Instructables: A Cathode Ray Tube in a Wine Bottle
“This simple project will allow you to investigate a variety of intriguing
effects including magnetic deflection of an electron beam, Crookes dark
space, plasma striations in a gas discharge tube, and many others.”
YouTube: Homemade Particle Accelerator #1
Here is a short look at amateur built accelerators.
YouTube: Homemade Particle Accelerator #2
Boy! I LOVE that music!!!
YouTube: Michio Kaku: An Atom Smasher in the Garage
Thanks to a myopic Congress, the U.S. now lags behind Europe in particle
physics research.
YouTube: Blow Tube
Once more, Arvind Gupta shows his great skill in changing trash into
scientific demonstrations. This time he looks into Bernoulli’s Principle.
Make: 9-Year-Old’s DIY Cardboard Arcade
A 9-year-old boy’s day is “made” when his elaborate DIY cardboard
arcade. Gets flashmobed.
Make: School's Out! Best Summer Ever Special Issue
Most of the projects, in this magazine, are just pointers to the full
documentation on their web site.
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Random Samples:
Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS)
SIRIS is your gate way to a great collection archived information.
SIRIS Search for “Amateur Science”
Here is an example of a SIRIS search.
http://wanderings.ca/Index.htm
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US Army Manuals
Many of the Army’s manuals are available on line.
The World Oral Literature Project
The World Oral Literature Project is “an urgent global initiative to
document and make accessible endangered oral literatures before they
disappear without record.”
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Suppliers and Stuff:
RSpec Explorer / Real-time Classroom Spectroscopy
Tom Field sent me this link to a terrific PC based spectroscope.
United Kingdom Geologists Equipment (UKGE)
UKGE can supply, world wide, a wide variety of Earth Science Equipment,
Tools and Books, Geological Maps, Field Equipment, Navigation / Safety
Wear, stone tumblers and microscopes and much more.
Tinker Toys for Grown-Ups
Build Anything with PVC
The Gurkha Kukri
The kukri (various spellings) is the traditional knife of the Gurkha soldiers
from Nepal. The best ones are hand made by skilled smiths working out of
their home forges. See how a kukri is made. Also, have a look at this
site.
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http://wanderings.ca/Index.htm
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Ralph J. Coppola
http://wanderings.ca/Index.htm
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